Surname Ballard - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Genetic Tapestry of the Ballard Surname: Insights from iGENEA DNA Test

The scientific findings from my iGENEA DNA test provided a fascinating deep-dive into the origins and migration patterns associated with the Ballard surname. Confirming primarily Western European ancestry with a blend of Eastern European influences, the results painted an image of a diverse lineage backed by migration and commingling.

I. Ballard

Ballard: What does the surname Ballard mean?

The surname Ballard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in the British Isles. It is derived from the Old English term "bealla weard", where "bealla" refers to 'a ball', commonly understood as a reference to a bald head, and "weard" means 'guardian' or 'watchman'. Therefore, it was likely used as a nickname originally meant for a watchman with distinctive bald head, or more generally, for men with a round or stocky build. It later evolved as a surname in the Middle Ages. Today, Ballard is a fairly common surname across English-speaking regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There have been a variety of notable people with the Ballard surname, ranging from scientists, to musicians, to athletes. It's important to note that variations in spelling also exist, including Ballarde, Balyard, and Balyarde among others.

Ballard: Where does the name Ballard come from?

The surname Ballard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English pre 7th Century "beallaere," meaning "ball maker" or "ball player." It is an occupational surname for someone who made or sold balls for games. The name may also be of French origin where it was used as a nickname for someone who was bald, from Old French "balle," meaning ball, and "-ard," a pejorative suffix.

Ballard has been used as a surname in England since at least the 12th century. It became prominent through famous bearers like the British ship designer Sir Nathaniel Dominy and the underwater explorer Robert Ballard.

Today, the last name Ballard is most commonly found in the United States, according to Forebears. It is particularly prevalent in Kentucky, which has the highest number of individuals with the Ballard surname. It is also fairly common in England, particularly in Nottinghamshire. In addition, smaller populations of Ballards can be found in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Ballard

The surname Ballard is originated from an Old Norse personal name, Ballard. It may have also come from the Old English ‘bealla weard’ meaning ‘guard of the battle’ or from the Old German name Balthard, composed of the elements bald, meaning "bold, brave", and "hardu", meaning hardy, brave, strong.

Several variants and spellings of Ballard over time and across different regions have been recorded, including Ballarde, Ballerd, Ballord, Ballardt, Ballardie, Ballardee, Ballart, Ballord, Ballad, Balloud, Ballade, and Balled. Pronunciation changes and local adaptations often led to the creation of these varied forms.

Ballard could also possibly be a locational surname derived from the place called Ballard in the county of Devon, England.

Other surnames of the same origin as Ballard (English and German) include Ball, Ballad, Ballady, Baller, Ballerti, and Ballhard. Some of these may reflect a more direct lineage from Balthard, or the Old Norse Ballard.

It's important to remember the association between surnames and their possible variants or origin can be complex due to the effects of migration, translation, phonetic shifts, and cultural changes over centuries.

Famous people with the name Ballard

• Hank Ballard: An influential R&B singer and songwriter, best known for composing and originally recording "The Twist."
• Kaye Ballard: An American actress and comedian, best known for her roles in the television series "The Mothers-in-Law" and "The Doris Day Show."
• J.G. Ballard: A renowned British novelist, best known for his novels "Empire of the Sun" and "Crash."
• Frank Ballard: An American puppeteer and educator, who created the Puppet Arts Program at the University of Connecticut.
• Florence Ballard: A founding member of the Motown group "The Supremes."
• Roger Ballard: A well-known British anthropologist who specializes in migration and diaspora issues.
• Robert Ballard: An oceanographer notable for his underwater archaeology work, including discovering the wreck of the Titanic in 1985.
• Vicki Ballard: An Australian sociologist and academic.
• Brigitta Stenberg-Ballard: A Swedish author and translator.
• Glen Ballard: An American songwriter and record producer who has worked with numerous successful artists, including Michael Jackson and Alanis Morissette.
• Russ Ballard: An English singer, songwriter, and musician, primarily known for his compositions "New York Groove," "You Can Do Magic," and "Since You Been Gone."
• Robert B. Ballard: A US Army four-star general.
• Michael Ballard: Owner of the Full Throttle Saloon, the world's largest biker bar.
• Clint Ballard Jr.: An American songwriter, famous for penning hits like "Game of Love" and "You're No Good."
• Gerry Ballard: An English footballer who played for Southampton in the 1970s.

Other surnames

BallachBallaghBallalBallangerBallasBallaschkBallaufBallauff